The Drag Enthusiast: Valentine Addams: Chicago's Fairy Princess

Every big city has their own type of drag aesthetic that makes the performers in that city stand out from other communities. Over the past few years, there has been some insane growth in the city of Chicago because rather than having a signature aesthetic that does well, each performer uses the stage as their outlet to do whatever they feel like doing, regardless of outside standards. Chicago performers are truly one of a kind artists that take their work to a whole new level, and that work should never go unappreciated. The performers in Chicago have formed a sisterhood and have encouraged each other to take things to the next level instead of trying to tear each other down. That's what makes the city of Chicago so very special. Meet Valentine Addams, who was encouraged by Chicago's star host, Trannika Rex, to showcase her talent, and since then, Valentine hasn't looked back. Valentine Addams is just one of the very many Chicago performers that prides herself in being a one of a kind artist and is always looking for ways to take her work to the next level. The possibilities are limitless.

1. Who is Valentine Addams?

Valentine is a fairy succubus princess from one of Neptune's moons! She is super sensual but can be very cute and flirty. She never hides her body and uses it to get what she wants, boys and money! Super Kawaii!!!

2. When and why did you start doing drag?

I started doing drag when I was 21. I did it for Halloween, I went to work as my boss and she loved it. And then around 23 or 24, I started performing because my really good friend, Trannika Rex, forced me to perform and I haven't turned back since.

3. Where did your drag name come from?

Valentine came from my first name being Valter. Addams, because I love the Addams family and I started off being more gothy like my boy drag.

4. Where do you draw inspiration from?

I find most of my inspiration from anime really. That and fantasy films and such. I used to make up fantasy worlds in my mind as a kid, so a lot of my looks are just those ideas coming to reality.

5. How long does it take you to get ready for a typical performance?

About 3 hours. From the time I start glueing down my eyebrows to the time I'm putting those lashes on.

6. What is your favorite thing about performing in Chicago?

I think the community. I have such a great amazingly talented group of friends like Kim Chi, Shea Coulee, Trannika Rex, Nico, Lucy Stoole and Beverly Lately just to name a few. But it has less to do with how talented I think the Chicago queens are, and everything to do with how supportive we try to be of each other.

7. What makes Chicago drag unique?

What's makes Chicago drag so unique would have to be how different we all are. There's sooo many different looks happening in Chicago right now. And in most recent years all the different kinds of queens are finally starting to work together and do some amazing things. We are all striving for the best and to have a great time. I think we all are very serious in our art but don't take ourselves too seriously, so most Chicago queens are easy and fun to work with. Most of us consider ourselves artist's before drag queens, so we are trying to cross the boundaries of what drag is and into the art world.

8. Does your family support you as a drag performer?

My mom loves it and all 3 of my brothers are cool and have come to see me a few times. But my father and I don't really talk about it. We unfortunately don't talk about much in general.

9. What has been the biggest lesson you've learned so far during your drag career?

Don't drink and do drag. At least not a lot.... Hehe

10. What advice would you give someone who is more new to the drag scene?

Practice makes perfect! And PAY ATTENTION TO DETAILS!!!! it pays off.

11. What is your favorite makeup product to use?

For sure my highlight. It's Studiofix Shivering White by MAC. Game changer! My good friend, Trixie Mattel told me about it the first time I met her years ago. And I haven't gone back since. It's the whitest white. I'm so pale I need something crisp and white, unless it won't show up on my milky skin tone.

12. If you could change something about the drag scene, what would you change and why?

Probably the cattiness. I think there's a lot of drag queens out there that can be catty. But I try to surround myself with great friends.

13. What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?

Honestly my biggest accomplishment so far has been my career in hair. I still can't believe I've been doing it for almost 9 years now.

14. Do you have a specific role model that you look up to? If so, who is it and why do you look up to them?

I think my role model would have to be my mom. She is a strong woman in my life, so I've always looked up to her. She has always been my number 1 cheerleader. She's always supported what I've wanted to do, or at least once she realized that I was always gonna do whatever I wanted.

15. What is something that not many know about you?

Most people don't know that I'm Mexican. I was born in Mexico and my family moved to the states when I was 5.